See 19 of the Wildest MTV VMAs Moments, Ever, in Honor of the Show's 40th Anniversary

MTV turns 40 this year, and the VMAs have been a staple in pop culture since 1984.

Over the years, the show has seen its fair share of memorable moments, from Madonna's iconic performance of "Like a Virgin" to Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift's acceptance speech. Here are 19 of the most unforgettable moments in VMA history:

1. Madonna's "Like a Virgin" performance (1984)

Madonna's performance of "Like a Virgin" at the first VMAs was a watershed moment in pop culture. The singer emerged from a giant wedding cake, wearing a white dress and a veil. She then proceeded to writhe around on stage, simulating masturbation. The performance was met with shock and outrage, but it also cemented Madonna's status as a pop icon.

2. Michael Jackson's "Thriller" performance (1983)

Michael Jackson's performance of "Thriller" at the 1983 VMAs is still considered one of the greatest live performances of all time. Jackson's elaborate stage show featured pyrotechnics, dancers, and a giant zombie. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to popularize the music video as an art form.

3. Prince's "Purple Rain" performance (1984)

Prince's performance of "Purple Rain" at the 1984 VMAs was another iconic moment in the show's history. Jackson's performance was drenched in water, and he played his guitar while standing in a pool of water. The performance was a powerful and emotional moment, and it helped to cement Prince's status as a musical legend.

4. Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" performance (1986)

Whitney Houston's performance of "I Will Always Love You" at the 1986 VMAs was a stunning display of vocal prowess. Houston's powerful and emotional performance brought the audience to tears, and it helped to make the song one of the biggest hits of all time.

5. Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" performance (1989)

Guns N' Roses' performance of "Sweet Child O' Mine" at the 1989 VMAs was a raucous and energetic affair. The band's performance was full of passion and energy, and it helped to make the song one of the biggest hits of the year.

6. Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" performance (1992)

Nirvana's performance of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" at the 1992 VMAs was a defining moment for the grunge movement. The band's performance was raw and intense, and it helped to usher in a new era of alternative rock.

7. Green Day's "Basket Case" performance (1994)

Green Day's performance of "Basket Case" at the 1994 VMAs was a breakthrough moment for the band. The band's performance was full of energy and passion, and it helped to make the song one of the biggest hits of the year.

8. Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" performance (2009)

Lady Gaga's performance of "Bad Romance" at the 2009 VMAs was a visually stunning affair. The performance featured Gaga wearing a number of elaborate costumes, including a giant egg. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to cement Gaga's status as a pop icon.

9. Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" performance (2009)

Beyoncé's performance of "Single Ladies" at the 2009 VMAs was a powerful and empowering moment. The performance featured Beyoncé and her dancers performing the song's iconic dance routine. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to make the song one of the biggest hits of the year.

10. Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift's acceptance speech (2009)

Kanye West's interruption of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAs was one of the most controversial moments in the show's history. West took to the stage and interrupted Swift's speech to declare that Beyoncé should have won the award. The incident was met with shock and outrage, and it damaged West's reputation.

11. Miley Cyrus's "Wrecking Ball" performance (2013)

Miley Cyrus's performance of "Wrecking Ball" at the 2013 VMAs was another controversial moment in the show's history. Cyrus performed the song while wearing a nude-colored bodysuit and swinging on a wrecking ball. The performance was met with mixed reviews, but it helped to make Cyrus one of the most talked-about celebrities in the world.

12. Beyoncé's "Lemonade" performance (2016)

Beyoncé's performance of "Lemonade" at the 2016 VMAs was a powerful and political statement. The performance featured Beyoncé and her dancers performing the song's lyrics, which address issues such as race, gender, and sexuality. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to cement Beyoncé's status as one of the most important artists of our time.

13. Kendrick Lamar's "HUMBLE." performance (2017)

Kendrick Lamar's performance of "HUMBLE." at the 2017 VMAs was a powerful and thought-provoking performance. The performance featured Lamar rapping the song's lyrics while sitting on a throne. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to cement Lamar's status as one of the most important rappers of our time.

14. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's "Shallow" performance (2018)

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's performance of "Shallow" at the 2018 VMAs was a beautiful and moving performance. The performance featured Gaga and Cooper singing the song's lyrics while looking into each other's eyes. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to make the song one of the biggest hits of the year.

15. Lizzo's "Truth Hurts" performance (2019)

Lizzo's performance of "Truth Hurts" at the 2019 VMAs was a powerful and empowering performance. The performance featured Lizzo singing the song's lyrics while surrounded by a group of dancers. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to make Lizzo one of the most talked-about celebrities in the world.

16. The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" performance (2020)

The Weeknd's performance of "Blinding Lights" at the 2020 VMAs was a visually stunning performance. The performance featured The Weeknd singing the song's lyrics while walking through a dark and smoky room. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to make the song one of the biggest hits of the year.

17. BTS's "Dynamite" performance (2020)

BTS's performance of "Dynamite" at the 2020 VMAs was a high-energy and colorful performance. The performance featured BTS dancing and singing the song's lyrics while surrounded by a group of dancers. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to make BTS one of the most popular bands in the world.

18. Lil Nas X's "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" performance (2021)

Lil Nas X's performance of "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" at the 2021 VMAs was a controversial and thought-provoking performance. The performance featured Lil Nas X dancing and singing the song's lyrics while surrounded by a group of dancers. The performance was met with mixed reviews, but it helped to make Lil Nas X one of the most talked-about celebrities in the world.

19. Jack Harlow's "Industry Baby" performance (2022)

Jack Harlow's performance of "Industry Baby" at the 2022 VMAs was a high-energy and entertaining performance. The performance featured Harlow dancing and singing the song's lyrics while surrounded by a group of dancers. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to make Harlow one of the most popular rappers in the world.